Suspected terrorists have abducted ten people in separate attacks on communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The victims were reportedly taken from the communities of Ahun, Oro-Ago, and Oyate during raids that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.
Sources said six individuals were kidnapped in Ahun, while four others were taken from Oro-Ago and Oyate.
Among the victims were a sawmill operator identified as Clement Emmanuel and his apprentice, Solomon. According to Emmanuel’s wife, the two men were seized while cutting trees on a farm in Ahun village.
Another source revealed that two additional victims, Adewole and Adebayo, were abducted as they prepared to burn felled trees to produce charcoal.
Mrs. Emmanuel later disclosed that the kidnappers had contacted her and demanded a ransom of ₦10 million for her husband’s release. She appealed for help, saying she had no means of raising the amount requested by the abductors.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, stated during a media briefing that he had not yet received an official report about the kidnappings.
However, he revealed that security operatives recently carried out an intelligence-driven operation in Oro-Ago after intercepting communications suggesting that a suspected kidnapping group planned to enter the area to service motorcycles used for criminal activities.
The operation led to the arrest of ten suspects, including a mechanic and another individual accused of providing fuel and logistical support to the group.
Police also recovered ten Bajaj Boxer motorcycles believed to have been used in kidnapping and banditry operations.
In addition, authorities arrested a 23-year-old woman identified as Awawu Maliki Bodo, who is suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities. A revolver and three live cartridges were reportedly recovered from her.
Security agencies say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
